The Spirit Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church The Second Sunday of Advent December 10, 2017
December 10, 2017 Mass Intentions 2nd Sunday of Advent Monday, December 11 (St. Damasus I, Pope) 6:30 a.m. Leonard & Gertrude Kemnetz 8:15 a.m. Deceased Members of Budkowski Family Tuesday, December 12 (Our Lady of Guadalupe) 6:30 a.m. Purgatorial Society 8:15 a.m. Leonard & Sylvia Brandt; Rose Hyrczyk; Connie Mariella; Ekaterini Kokkinias Wednesday, December 13 (St. Lucy; Virgin & Martyr) 6:30 a.m. Emily Loret Bedran 8:15 a.m. In Thanksgiving, Martino Family Thursday, Dec. 14 (St. John of the Cross, Priest & Doctor) 6:30 a.m. Rob Pullen 8:15 a.m. Claudia Asmussen Friday, December 15 6:30 a.m. Spec. Int. Alinabella Donahue 8:15 a.m. Pat DeLio Saturday, December 16 8:15 a.m. Bill Kindt; Irene Pelsi; Salvatore & Maria Fragale; Benjamin Lay; Eleanor Laraia; Giuseppe Gionfortone; Mario Ragora; P. Yogaraj 5:00 p.m. Phyllis & Walter Osiol Sunday, December 17 (Third Sunday of Advent) 7:30 a.m. For the People of OLR 9:00 a.m. Mary & Peter Becker 10:45 a.m. Peter Rottmuller 12:15 p.m. Armando & Pia Mei 5:00 p.m. Antonino LaCorte PARISH DIRECTORY CHURCH: 8300 N. Greenwood, Niles, IL 60714 PARISH OFFICE - Ministry Center, 8624 W. Normal Phone: 847-823-2550 Fax: 847-823-4291 www.olransom.org Rev. Christopher M. Gustafson Pastor Rev. Paul Reczek, O.F.M. Sunday Celebrant Rev. Robert Darow Retired Assistant Rev. Andrew Luczak Retired Assistant Rev. Mr. Charlie O Donnell Deacon Rev. Mr. James Frugé Deacon Mrs. Cathy Williams Office Manager Mr. Richard Gargul Business Manager Mr. Rob Sadlowski Music Director Mr. Andy Duran Digital Communications Mr. Brad Koenig Maintenance Engineer Mrs. Kathleen Sass Bulletin Typist RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM Mrs. Connie Mottley Director 847-696-2994 Email: cmottley@olransom.org SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Let the children come to me Lk 18:16 Baptisms are ordinarily celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 1:30 p.m. in the Church. A preparation meeting is required. Please call the Ministry Center to arrange. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: God s mercy is ever near. Confessions are heard every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to Noon in the Church and by appointment. CARING FOR THE SICK: If you or a loved one are ill and would like prayers or to receive the Sacrament of Anointing, Holy Communion, or a visit, please do not hesitate to call the Ministry Center. A communal celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing follows the 8:15 a.m. Mass on the first Saturday of the month. MINISTRIES CHAIRPERSONS Mrs. Deborah Bosco Parish Pastoral Council Mr. Steve Dolan Parish Finance Committee Mrs. Nancy Stranczek Ministry of Care Mrs. Gigi Bialko Bereavement Ms. Reneda Mittman Lectors Mr. & Mrs. Jack Eichstaedt Communion Ministers Mr. Vince Milito Ushers Mrs. Terry Uselmann St. Matthew Circle Ms. Marilyn Kirschten Wedding Ministry Coordinator EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION SUNDAY MASSES: 5:00 pm (Saturday) 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 am, 12:15, 5:00pm Weekday: 6:30 & 8:15 am; Saturday 8:15 am Holy Day: 6:30, 8:15 am, 7:00 pm RECONCILIATION: Saturday, 11:00 am - 12 noon and individually as requested. HOPELINE: For Pregnant Women 847-823-HOPE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: Congratulations! Weddings are ordinarily celebrated on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Please be sure to consult a priest before setting the date for your wedding. FIRST FRIDAYS: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place throughout the day, ending with Holy Hour and Benediction from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. BULLETINS: Please note that notices or announcements to be placed in the bulletin need to be delivered to the Ministry Center two weeks in advance of requested publication date. NEW PARISHIONERS: Welcome to the Parish! We are glad you are here. Please come to or call the Ministry Center to register.
December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent Page Three From the desk of the Pastor... On Wednesday, November 30th, we celebrated the feast of a one of my favorite saints, Andrew the Apostle. As with many of the Apostles, we don t know a lot of details about Andrew s personal life. In John s Gospel we learn that he was a disciple of John the Baptist who directed Andrew to follow Jesus. Upon spending the day with Jesus, Andrew went and told his brother and fishing partner, Simon Peter, that he had found the Lord. When Jesus saw the two fishing he said to them, Come after me and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him (Mt. 4:19). We also learn that Andrew introduced to Jesus the boy who offered his five loaves and two fish which Jesus would bless and multiply to feed five thousand (John 6:8-10). Andrew also acted as a liaison introducing certain Greeks who were interested in speaking with Jesus (Jn 12:10-22). In St. Andrew we see someone who was seeking to live a more authentic life. No one became a disciple of the rugged, prophetic John the Baptist and then of Jesus unless he was willing to confront some serious truths about his own life! In St. Andrew we also see a disciple of joyful humility. He couldn t contain his joy in meeting Christ and told his brother, and then he would take a backseat, so to speak, as his brother Peter rose in leadership. In St. Andrew we see someone who acted as an instrument or bridge allowing others to come in contact with the Lord. Perhaps we might make it a focus of our Advent preparation to emulate St. Andrew. First, we might take time to evaluate whether we are truly seeking to live a more authentic Christian life. Like those who went out into the desert and participated in John s baptism of repentance, we might avail ourselves of the cleansing grace of our Lord given us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. What a wonderful way to make room in our hearts and our lives to receive the gift of the Lord s presence anew this Christmas. Next, we might take some time to reflect on the level of joy we carry within and show to others as disciples of Christ. Do we overflow with it and want others to share in it? Are we in humble awe that we have been invited to share in the Lord s presence and mission? Finally, we might look at how we might more fully be an instrument of introducing others to Christ. Perhaps it could mean talking to our children or grandchildren about what our relationship with the Lord means to us. Perhaps it could mean a re-introduction of our adult children or even our spouse to the Lord through a more full participation in Mass and the sacraments. Maybe we can identify and pray for someone we know who has become estranged from the Lord and his Church. Maybe we can invite someone to Christmas Mass with us. Andrew was a fisherman who knew that life was about much more than his daily tasks. Through his intercession let us be open to the Lord s invitation to each of us at this point in our lives. Have a blessed Advent week,
December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent Page Four Christmas Mass Schedule Please note that this year we have altered our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass times significantly because Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday and the morning Masses that day are still for the 4th Sunday of Advent! Saturday, December 23 4th Sunday of Advent 5:00pm Mass Sunday, December 24 (morning) 4th Sun Advent 8:00am; 10:00am, 12:00pm Masses Sunday, December 24 (evening) Christmas Eve 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 10:30pm (Carols at 10:00) Masses Monday, December 25 Christmas Day 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm Masses Saturday, December 30 Feast of Holy Family 5:00pm Mass Sunday, December 31 (morning) Feast of Holy Family 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:15pm Masses Monday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 9:00am Mass We get so busy at this time of the year, going here, shopping there, and such that we tend to forget those many near us who don t have the funds to do what we do almost naturally. Christmas will be here soon, and we will have Christmas baskets to fill for them so they can join in the celebration of Christ s birth. We need hams or turkeys plus the standard dinner items. Thank you for your continued support. Saint Vincent De Paul Society Prepare for Christ s Coming Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday, December 16 11:00am-12:00pm (Individual Confessions in English, Italian and Polish) Monday, December 18 7:00pm (Communal Reconciliation Service with Individual Confessions in English and Polish) Saturday, December 23 11:00am-12:00pm (Individual Confessions in English)
December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent Page Five NOTICE Liturgical Ministers (Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors) please sign up for various holiday masses in the bride s room we need your help for 4th Sunday of Advent, Christmas, and Solemnity of Mary. Altar servers sign up in the Sunday Sacristy or email cwilliams@olransom.org. Liturgical Ministers for Next Week s Liturgies Date/Time Lector Eucharistic Ministers Cantors Servers Saturday, December 16 5:00 p.m. Steve Dolan Ben Oliva Joan Del Medico, Steve Dolan, Jack Eichstaedt, Maria Eichstaedt, Marilyn Kirschten, Patricia Lawlor, Carol Mozgowiec, David Nellessen, Andy Thelen Simbang Gabi FCC Choir Catherine Valeroso Clarissa Valeroso Sunday, December 17 7:30 a.m. Daniel Ramirez Jannard Remo George Colgan, Joan Karwoski, Tom Kleeman, Pat Lucas, Eleanor Mueller, Dennis Ramirez, Phyllis Ranalli Jody Schuth Dominic Vecchio John Paul Vecchio 9:00 a.m. Brian Donahue Joe Annunzio, Terry Annunzio, Fred Batliner, Gerry Batliner, Carol Bergeron, Marilyn Cairo, Mary Ann Malartsik, Joey Randazzo, Filomena Randazzo OLR Choir Giancarlo Donahue Juliana Parisi 10:45 a.m. Tom Muszynski Wayne Sliwa Josephine Bax, Toni Brana, Edward Cameron, Anna DiBenedetto, Nancy Hedrick, Nancy Jensen, Jerry Merkel, Tom Reich, Wayne Sliwa Jody Schuth Emmy Uzquiano Almus Uzquiano 12:15 p.m. Eva Dadivas Lulu de los Reyes Jonelle Castillo, Eduardo DePaz, Angelita DePaz, Maria Galluzzi, John Gierum, Cathy Gierum, Gloria Scardino, Judy Vee, Matilde Yates Jody Schuth Cecelia Hernandez Victor Hernandez 5:00 p.m. Kathleen Deveau Georgene Croteau, James Croteau, Kathleen Deveau, R. Scott Flick, Lydia LaScola Rob Sadlowski Jack Whalen
December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent Page Six
December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent Page Seven CLOTHING AND BLANKET DRIVE WOW! AMAZING! IT LOOKS LIKE A SHOPPING MALL were some of the comments we heard as our friends (who had dinner at Our Lady of Lourdes) entered the very organized clothing area held in a separate room of the school hall. Ten at a time, our guests entered the area, and blankets were admired and given to all. Everyone needs a clean warm blanket, so please save your quilts, blankets, and comforters for next year s Soup Kitchen. About 190 needy friends left with a great selection of winter clothing; and the remaining items were bagged to give to nearby shelters. We appreciate everyone s help and especially our parishioners who set up and helped our guests select the proper sizes of clothing. Thank you all for your generous donations! We received many kind words of appreciation as the needy men and women left with smiles on their faces. Register now The study begins January 3 Advanced registration required. Our Lady of Ransom Bible Study Registration Form January 3, 2018 February 28, 2018 A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother Wednesday evenings 7:00pm 9:00pm The registration fee is $25.00 Please make checks payable to Our Lady of Ransom. Name: Address: Email Address: Phone:
December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent Page Eight
December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent Page Nine A very special Harry Potter Hogworts train with a retail value of at least $200 will be in a special raffle at $5 per ticket. Basket Raffle tickets will also be available at $2 each or three for $5.
December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent Page Ten R E S T I N P E A C E Please continue to pray for the following people who have recently died: Annette Witt Domenico Spatola Lord, for your faithful people, life is changed not ended. --Rite of Christian Burial SACRIFICIAL GIVING Our response to God s command to take care of the community with the gifts, talents and resources God entrusts to us. STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES Sunday Collections December 3...$ 14,413 (Week 23) Year-to-date...$ 305,950 We are grateful. P R A Y F O R T H E S I C K Bill Arens (4) Cheri Klock (3) Honey Mae Chapman (2) Dorothy Matthisen (2) Linda Lau (2) Monika Hollweck (1) Ruben A. Reyes Jr. (1) We pray for all the sick at every Mass and in our private prayers. Persons who have a change in their health (traumatic event, surgery, critical stage of disease, etc.) will be mentioned by name (if they or a family member request) at Sunday Masses. Thereafter, for one month the name will be published in the bulletin and then placed on our website: olransom. org. OLR MILITARY God keep you safe! A.I.C. Michael Gonzales Sgt. Vito Deiure Gunny Sgt. Paul J. Vee, USMC Lt. 1st Class Jared Kandell Staff Sgt. Michael Osterlund PFC Darren Keifer PO2 Patrick Wurster II Staff Sgt. Anthony LaScola, USMC Cpl. Brian Michael Bell BM3 Kristin Kaufmann Specialist Conrad Sewinski ENFR Joshua Torres 1st Lt. Joseph John Gullo, USAF Cpl. Giselle Obcemea Gayapa, USMC PFC Ezekiel M. Trimble PFC Edrian Fernandez, USAFC Cpt. Jason Lovallo 1st Lt. Timothy F. Eddy, Jr. 1st Lt. Catie LaScola, USMC PFC Michael Allbright PFC A.J. Martinez Jr. If you know of any Our Lady of Ransom parishioners who are serving in the military and would like to include them in our prayer intentions, please call the Ministry Center (847-823-2550.) THIS WEEKEND CWC COOKIE WALK You are cordially invited to join the CWC at our annual sale of homemade Christmas cookies this weekend. It is fun to pick your favorite cookies (remember to wear the plastic gloves we provide). A medium box of goodies can be purchased at only $8, and a large box is $15. This is an easy way to buy an assorted box of homemade treats. Stop in Paluch Hall just follow the aroma of homemade goodies! Also, the Queen of Peace Guild will have craft items available for sale they make great last minute Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers and grab bag gifts. CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE Gift Return Today! Please don t disappoint a child or shut-in Bring your wrapped gift with ornament attached this weekend (December 9-10) by 1:00pm Sunday. No cash please! PLEASE HELP we need drivers (vans, trucks, cars) to help take the many gifts to their destinations today Sunday afternoon, Today (Sunday), after the 12:15 p.m. Mass Thank you for your generosity!
From: Our Lady of Ransom Parish Niles, IL 847-823-2550 Contact: Cathy Williams Bulletin #000161 Date: December 10, 2017 10 PAGES PLUS COVER SHEET Publisher 2007 Printer HP Laser Jet CP3525